Latest Situation Report
As of 11:40 a.m. today, the status of the fire is as follows:
Containment: The fire is now 100% contained, meaning a perimeter has been fully established around the blaze.
Control: The fire is currently 80% controlled as crews work to extinguish internal heat.
Total Size: The final burn area is estimated at approximately 20.25 acres.
Safety Status: No injuries have been reported, and zero structures were lost during the incident.
Operations: Crews remain on-scene conducting "mop-up" operations inside the fire lines to ensure no hot spots flare back up.
The Response Effort
The fire’s location near the Rutherford and Buncombe County line required a massive coordinated effort to overcome the "extremely rough" and steep terrain.
Mutual Aid: The Lake Lure Fire Department and Buncombe County agencies provided essential support to Rutherford County crews.
Agency Involvement: The North Carolina Forest Service and North Carolina State Parks worked alongside local departments including Broad River, Bills Creek, Shingle Hollow, Chimney Rock, and Green Hill.
Weather Factors: Responders successfully held the lines despite high winds on New Year's Day that threatened to push the fire toward nearby residences.
Advisory for Residents
Smoke: Expect to see and smell smoke throughout the day as smoldering debris is extinguished inside the containment zone.
Investigation: The North Carolina Forestry Service is continuing its investigation into the exact cause of the fire.
WNcTimes